Introduction To Theories And Issues

Question 1

What does developmental psychology as a field of study within psychology focus on?

Answer 1

• how psychological processes develop or change (description)
• Why psychological process develop/change (causal explanation)

Question 2

What is developmental psychology?

Answer 2

The study of the development of psychological processes

Question 3

What two questions are central to psychology and developmental psychology as a course?

Answer 3

• What is the contribution of genetic inheritance to human development and their behaviours
• Are we passive receivers shaped by our environment (behaviour is environmentally deterministic) or active independent thinkers (free will)

Question 4

What is the purpose of asking the two central questions in developmental psychology?

Answer 4

-To understand the origins of human nature :
Wether human cognition is biologically genetically inherited or shaped by interactions with culture and the environment

-To understand why people differ in various ways such as IQ, extraversion, kindness etc.